When looking into Skin Botox, it is easy to think, “Since it’s Botox, it will smooth out my wrinkles,” or “It must just be a milder version of Botox.” Because “Botox” is in the name, many people tend to view it as a weaker form of regular Botox.

To put it simply, while Skin Botox uses the same botulinum toxin, “where and how much” is injected is completely different. Rather than stopping your facial muscles to smooth out wrinkles, it is applied shallowly and densely into the dermis layer. It’s a different kind of treatment designed to refine your pores, oil levels, and skin texture.

It’s the same Botox, but the “injection site” is different

Regular Botox is injected into facial expression muscles—such as between the brows or around the eyes—to reduce movement and smooth out wrinkles. It is a treatment aimed directly at the muscles.

Skin Botox (also known as Dermatox) uses a much lower concentration of botulinum toxin*, diluted and injected shallowly and densely into the dermis at intervals of about 1 cm. Its purpose is not to freeze the muscles, but to act on the skin's surface layer. In other words, even with the same substance, varying the depth and concentration shifts the focus to entirely different skin concerns.

* Botulinum Toxin: A substance that temporarily reduces signals sent to muscles or glands. Depending on the concentration and injection depth, its use is divided into either relaxing muscles or acting on sebum and sweat secretion in the skin's surface layer.

This is why it targets pores and oil, not deep wrinkles

Low-concentration Botox delivered shallowly into the dermis works toward reducing pore size and sebum secretion. While the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, there are studies suggesting that botulinum toxin directly regulates lipid production in sebaceous cells. For this reason, it is frequently recommended to those with overactive sebaceous glands*.

* Sebaceous Glands: Excretory glands located next to pores that produce sebum (facial oil). If they are too active, it leads to oiliness and prominent pores.

Therefore, the improvements you can expect from Skin Botox are less shininess, less noticeable pores, and a smoother, more refined skin texture. As sebum decreases, oil-prone skin that is prone to breakouts often becomes more balanced and stable. Conversely, deep wrinkles or sagging facial contours are not what this treatment is for. If you expect those results just because of the name “Botox,” you might find yourself disappointed.

Onset, maintenance, and immediately after the treatment

Right after the procedure, because the solution is injected shallowly and densely in the dermis, you will see small bumps on the skin resembling embossing. This typically subsides within 2 to 3 hours, so there is no need to worry. A numbing cream is applied for 20 to 30 minutes before we begin.

You will generally start to notice the effects gradually after about 2 weeks. However, since it is a Botox-based treatment, it lasts for about 3 to 4 months on average, after which the effects will fade. Rather than being a one-and-done procedure, it is best understood as a treatment that requires regular sessions to maintain your smooth skin texture. Approaching it with a “routine skin maintenance” mindset rather than desiring “instant perfection in one session” will yield the most satisfying experience.

Who is it ideal for, and what shouldn't you expect?

This treatment is a wonderful fit for individuals whose skin gets oily and shiny, who have prominent pores, or whose makeup tends to melt off easily. On the contrary, if deep wrinkles or sagging skin are your primary concerns, regular muscle Botox or lifting treatments are more suitable; Skin Botox is closer to a “surface finishing touch” on top of those.

When we assess a face, we look at volume and contours separately from surface skin texture. Skin Botox does not alter your facial contour; rather, it refines surface oil and pores to leave your skin with a smooth, polished finish. Thus, its role does not overlap with other volumizing or lifting treatments. Because individual results and side effects can vary depending on your skin condition, it is always safest to determine if this is right for you through a personalized consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How exactly is it different from regular Botox?

They use the same botulinum toxin, but the concentration, depth of injection, and overall goals are different. Regular Botox is injected into muscles to smooth wrinkles, while Skin Botox is diluted to a low concentration and injected shallowly into the dermis to refine pores, oil, and skin texture.

Q. Does it actually shrink pores?

Studies have shown reductions in pore size and sebum, but individual results vary. It does not permanently shrink pores in one session, but rather refines the skin texture for as long as the treatment's effects last.

Q. How long do the effects last?

Since it belongs to the Botox family, it generally lasts around 3 to 4 months. Continuous treatments are needed to maintain the skin texture, and it is not intended for correcting deep wrinkles or sagging skin.

Q. Will Skin Botox make my facial expressions look unnatural?

Unlike regular Botox which is injected into facial muscles, Skin Botox is placed shallowly in the dermis at a low concentration, so it rarely causing a stiff facial expression. However, since this depends on the dosage and treated areas, it is best to customize the treatment plan with our medical team.

Recommended Reading

• Skin Botox is not just a milder version of forehead Botox

• A complete guide to Skin Botox results timeline: When do the changes start?

• Will injecting more eye Botox smooth out wrinkles even better?

• The 5-point checklist for finding the best Botox clinic in Hongdae (Written by an SNU-trained specialist)